The printed message on the back of the tee shirts worn by the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority says, “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.” Indeed, together they volunteered last Saturday, October 25, in the Village of Brockport on Make a Difference Day, the largest national day of community service.
With shovels, rakes, nippers, wheelbarrows, and paint brushes in hand, almost 50 college student volunteers weeded, pruned, planted, and painted at various locations. The sorority and fraternity members of Phi Sigma Sigma, Delta Phi Epsilon, and Alpha Phi Omega at The College of Brockport completed hours of work – with their successful efforts obvious at the Sweden Senior Center, Corbett and Evergreen Parks, and the Newman Center.
Todd Dobson of the Town of Sweden Highway Department delivered tools and equipment to the Sweden Senior Center. Marilyn Lafferty of the Sweden Senior Center Association (SSAI) brought homemade breads and cookies, and the students who were supervised by Ilona Tierney, accomplished clearing the huge flower bed in front of the Center and surrounding areas. They planted hundreds of tulip bulbs donated by Sara’s Garden Center, whose co-owner, Kathy Kepler, consulted with supervisors Gary and Lori Skoog, Mary Lynne Turner, and Hanny Heyen on the premises regarding the Center’s landscaping.
The steps leading up to the Erie Canal from the Evergreen Park have a fresh coat of paint, the grounds at the Newman Center are refreshed, and the islands of lilac bushes at Corbett Park are cleaned and edged. Thanks go to Department of Public Works Superintendent Harry Donahue for his assistance with the projects, and to Linda Ketchum, Kristin Stiles, and Joe Blosenhauer of the Village Parks Committee, who supervised and worked with the students.
Millions come together across the USA to volunteer in their communities on Make a Difference Day. In Brockport, college students made an amazing difference on Saturday. Next spring, the results of their efforts will be recognized again – with showy lilac blossoms in renewed mulch beds, and hundreds of blooming tulips in front of the Sweden Senior Center.
The Sweden Senior Committee
Village of Brockport Parks Committee
Provided photos
